If + Then = Delight

When we think about the word “discipline,” it can often bring back negative thoughts, feelings, or memories. Proverbs 3:11-12 shows us that it is important to put aside our personal biases and viewpoints and see this word as God sees it. Not only is this word “discipline” important, but it also reveals the generous, amazing, and redemptive love of the Father.

Often times when we think of discipline, we can despise it, we can reject it, or we can view it as good, but not fully accept it. It’s important to know that if we don’t fully accept it, we are in fact still despising or rejecting it. Though He disciplines us in different ways, when we accept it we are able to truly revel in how God uses His discipline to delight in us.

Questions for Meditation

1. Hebrews 12:7 says, “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as His children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?” Is there any hardship that you are going through now that perhaps God is trying to use to teach you through?

2. Another definition of discipline is “to admonish or warn forcefully, expressing strong disapproval.” Sometimes God does need to correct us in ways that might be uncomfortable; this can happen through His Word, through the people around us, or through circumstances. What are some ways God has corrected you in the past?

3. When you have taken the Lord’s correction, how has it affected you? What was your initial response to the correction?

4. The end of Proverbs 3:11-12 shows us that God delights in us. He has a high degree of pleasure and satisfaction in who we are as His children. Why is this important to remember when meditating on how He disciplines us?

5. Hebrews 12:10 says, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” Why is this discipline for our good?